Container for an aerosol generating device

ABSTRACT

A container for an aerosol generating device is disclosed. The container has a body has a body comprising a first portion configured to receive an aerosol generating device and one or more retention means externally accessible from the body, each retention means being configured to releasably retain a module.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/526,599, filed May 12, 2017 which is a national phase entry under 35U.S.C. § 371 of International Application No. PCT/EP2015/075843, filedNov. 5, 2015, published in English, which claims priority from EP14193307.7, filed Nov. 14, 2014, the disclosures of which areincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to a container for holding an aerosolgenerating device such as an electronic cigarette and one or moremodules connectable to the container giving complementary or additionalfunctionality to a user.

Aerosol generating devices such as electronic cigarettes are relativelywell known in the art. In use, a liquid stored in the aerosol generatingdevice is heated to form an aerosol, which is then conveyed to a user.Aerosol generating devices typically involve a permanent part (such asthe body of the device) and a replaceable part (such as the cartridgeholding the liquid).

While not in use, a user may store the aerosol generating device in acontainer. Such a container is typically in the form of a box. In somecases, inside the box there is room for one or more of the replaceableparts. These replaceable parts are often simply inserted into the emptyspace left around the aerosol generating device. This means that thereplaceable parts, even if they can be included, are susceptible todamage.

Conventional cigarette containers typically have twenty cigarettes,which provide users with enough material to last a full day. Incomparison, with electronic cigarettes, a user may need multiplereplaceable parts (such as cartridges) over a single day and may need torecharge the electronic cigarette. This would therefore typicallyrequire a user to carry spare replaceable parts and a battery charger,which is bulky and inconvenient.

Accordingly, it remains a problem that there is no convenient andreliable means through which a user can store the permanent part of theaerosol generating device with one or more replaceable parts in order toallow sustained usage of the aerosol generating device over a reasonableperiod of time, and to provide the aerosol generating device withadditional functionality. The present invention therefore seeks toprovide a container for an aerosol generating device which overcomes atleast some of the above problems.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

According to a first aspect, there is provided a container for anaerosol generating device. The container has a body comprising a firstportion configured to receive an aerosol generating device and one ormore retention means externally accessible from the body. Each retentionmeans is configured to releasably retain a module.

In this manner, the aerosol generating device (such as an electroniccigarette) can be conveniently located in a first portion of thecontainer. Since the first portion of the container is configured forreceiving the aerosol generating device, this ensures that the aerosolgenerating device is securely and safely stored. In addition, one ormore modules can be releasably retained on the body for storing thearticles.

The externally accessible retention means ensures that the modules areeasily attachable without any need for disassembly of the container.This in turn reduces the risk of portions of the container being damagedduring disassembly and reassembly when modules are changed, allowing forease of use, a more robust container, and a simplified manufacture.

Additionally, since the module is not integrally formed with the body, avariety of modules may be interchangeably used with a single body. Thisenhances usability and adaptability, by allowing the user to add orremove functionality. For example without being limitative, the modulemay comprise one or more of: one or more replaceable parts for theaerosol generating device, a battery, and a charging device.

Preferably, the container further comprises one or more readersconfigured to receive data from a module. Based on this data, aprocessor of the container may be configured to perform one or moreprocedures based on the received data. This allows for a “smartcontainer” which constantly monitors various conditions, and allows forthe user to more accurate gauge the state of the various devices withoutthemselves inspecting them.

The processor may be configured to monitor state data, comprising thestate of one or more of: the container, the aerosol generating device,the module and articles stored within the module. The processor may alsobe configured to send a message to a recipient based on the state dataand/or the received data. For example, the message may be a request sendto a mobile device associated with the user that a particular kind ofmodule should be inserted, or may be an alert that the wrong kind ofmodule has been inserted. This further improves the functionality of thecontainer and provides a significantly safer and more robust userexperience.

Preferably, the body further comprises one or more recesses, eachretention means being located in a respective recess. Each retentionmeans is selected from the group consisting of: a slide mechanism; aclip mechanism; and a magnet. Since the retention means are located in arecess, this reduces the risk that the retention means becomes damagedwhen a module is not inserted, and also provides a clear visual guide tothe user as to where the module should be installed. Preferably, thecontainer comprises a cap configured to cover an end of the body, whichmay be hingedly connected to the body. This allows the contents of thecontainer to be further protected, and can prevent them from falling outof the container when the container is inverted.

Preferably the body further comprises a second portion configured toreceive one or more articles. Where the aerosol generating devicecomprises at least a permanent part and a replaceable part; the one ormore articles may comprise at least one additional replaceable part.This enhances the functionality of the container, by providing forarticles associated with the aerosol generating device to be safely andconveniently stored alongside it in a single package.

In one configuration, the first portion comprises a first chamber in thebody having a first length and a first width; and the second portioncomprises a second chamber in the body having a second length and asecond width; where the first length and the second length are notequal. The first chamber can be substantially parallel to the secondchamber. A first recess can be located below the second portion, suchthat the body has a substantially L-shape, the recess having a thirdlength and a third width, wherein the third width is substantially equalto the second width, and the third length is substantially equal to thedifference between the first length and the second length.

The differences in sizes typically reflects that articles for use withthe aerosol generating device (which can sit in the second portion) willgenerally be smaller than the aerosol generating device itself (whichcan sit in the first portion). This also conveniently provides for alocation for a module to be connected, which results in a substantiallycuboid container which has no sharp corners which can catch on otheritems. This provides for a safer and more robust storage solution.

In another configuration, the first portion comprises a first chamber inthe body having a first length and a first width; and the second portioncomprises: a second chamber in the body having a second length and asecond width; and a third chamber in the body having a third length anda third width. The second chamber can be located on a first side of thefirst chamber and the third chamber can be located on a second side ofthe first chamber opposite to the first side, such that the body has asubstantially T-shape. A first recess can be located below the secondchamber, the first recess having a fourth length and a fourth width; anda second recess can be located below the third chamber, the secondrecess having a fifth length and a fifth width; wherein the fourth widthis substantially equal to the second width, and the fourth length issubstantially equal to the difference between the first length and thesecond length; and the fifth width is substantially equal to the thirdwidth, and the fifth length is substantially equal to the difference.

This configuration allows for two separate modules to be simultaneouslyconnected, thereby further enhancing the configurability of thecontainer.

According to a second aspect, there is also provided a module configuredto be releasably retained by a retention means of the container of thefirst aspect.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

Examples of the present invention will now be described with referenceto the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a view of the container of the present invention in a firstembodiment together with an example aerosol generating device andarticles;

FIG. 2 shows a further view of the container of the first embodimentwith an example module installed;

FIG. 3 shows a further view of the container of the first embodimentwith an example module installed and with an example aerosol generatingdevice and articles inserted;

FIG. 4 shows a sectional view of the container of the first embodimentwith an example module installed and with example articles inserted;

FIG. 5 shows a view of the container of the present invention in asecond embodiment having a T-shape configuration;

FIG. 6 shows a view of the container of the present invention in a thirdembodiment having an I-shape configuration;

FIGS. 7A to 7C show examples of modules which can be used withcontainers of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The container 10 comprises an integrally-formed body 12 having a firstportion 14 configured to receive an aerosol generating device 30 (suchas an electronic cigarette). The body 12 can be formed of one or more ofmetal, plastic (such as polyethylene terephthalate), ceramic, paper(such as reinforced paper or carton paper), or any other suitablematerial or combination of materials. The body may comprise additionallycomprise alignment means (not shown) on its outer surface for aligningthe container 10 with another device.

The first portion 14 takes the form of a chamber in the body. Thechamber has an open end into which the aerosol generating device can beinserted, and a closed end against which the aerosol generating devicecan rest. The chamber is sized and shaped such that an aerosolgenerating device 30 may sit within the chamber. For example, thechamber may have a circular cross-section, to match the cylindricalshape of the aerosol generating device 30. Other cross-sectional shapes,such as oval, rectangular, triangular or the like are also envisaged.

The body 12 further comprises one or more retention means 16. Eachretention means 16 is configured such that it is externally accessiblefrom the body. In general, this means that prior to a module 40 beingconnected to the container 10, the retention means 16 is visible andaccessible without any disassembly of parts of the container 10.

The retention means 16 and the module 40 comprise complementary parts ofa two-part retention mechanism. For example, the retention means 16 maycomprise an elongate slide protrusion which is configured to be slidablyreceived within a receptacle on the module 40, thereby allowing themodule 40 to be installed by sliding. The retention means 16 mayadditionally or alternatively comprise a clip mechanism whereby a clipportion on the module 40 can be inserted into a suitably configuredreceptacle of the retention means 16 (such as a Universal Serial Bus(USB) port). The retention means 16 may additionally or alternativelycomprise a magnetic mechanism whereby the retention means 16 and themodule 40 are provided with mutually attractive magnetic portions (suchas magnetic strips).

The container 10 may further comprise a release means to cause theretention means to release a retained module and/or to allow access tothe contents of the retained module. For example, a button 26 may beprovided which is mechanically connected to the retention means. Therelease means may alternatively be a grip portion which allows the userto exert a sufficient pulling force on the module 40 such that theretention means 16 releases the module 40.

The module 40 may be configured to be “tamper-proof”, such that therelease means causes an indicator on the module (such as a frangibleseal) to irreversibly show that a user has accessed the module (forexample, by destroying the seal).

The release means may be configured to be “child-proof”, such that achild is substantially unable to release the module or access thecontents of the module. For example, the release means may require abutton to be pressed with a level of force that the average child isunable to provide.

The release means may be operatively connected to an identificationmeans for identifying a user. The identification means could beconfigured as a fingerprint recognition mechanism 28 to recognise thefingerprint of a user and compare it to a set of allowed users. It couldadditionally or alternatively include a reader (such as an RadioFrequency Identification (RFID) reader) to recognise a data medium (suchas an RFID chip) and/or an input means for receiving a passcode, apersonal identification number (PIN) or the like. Based on theidentification, the identification means may then allow access to thecontent of a module and/or the connection or removal of one or moremodules. The identification means may also be configured to activate theaerosol generating device (or at least allow the aerosol generatingdevice to be activated).

The body 12 is provided with at least one recess 18. Typically a recess18 is provided as a cut-out of a corner portion of the body 12, suchthat the recess 18 has a top wall, one side wall, one open side, and anopen bottom. The retention means 16 is provided along one or both wallsof the recess 18.

The recess 18 and the module 40 are typically configured such that, whenthe module 40 is retained by the retention means 16, thecontainer-module assembly has a substantially continuous surface acrossthe outer faces of the body 12 and the module 40.

The body 12 can further comprise a second portion 20 configured toreceive one or more articles. Generally the articles will be associatedwith the aerosol generating device. Where the aerosol generating devicecomprises a permanent part and one or more replaceable parts, the secondportion 20 may be configured to receive one or more additionalreplaceable parts. For example, where the aerosol makes use ofcartridges containing an aerosolisable liquid, the section portion 20may be configured to store an additional cartridge.

The second portion 20 takes the form of a chamber in the body. Thechamber has an open end into which the articles can be inserted, and aclosed end against which the articles can rest. The chamber of thesecond portion 20 may be separate from that of the first portion 14.Similarly, it may be of a substantially different size andconfiguration.

In some embodiments, the container 10 is provided with a reader which isconfigured to receive data from a data medium provided on a module 40.The data may be transferred via a physical port, e.g. a USB port or in awireless manner using Bluetooth, WiFi, near-field communication or anysuitable secure or non-secure protocol. In addition, in some cases thereader may also be configured to send data back to the data medium,thereby causing allowing the data on the data medium to be updated.

The reader may operate continuously, or may only be active when a moduleis first inserted into the container 10. In this manner, the reader maybe operatively connected to the retention means 16. The reader may becoupled with one or more processors. Based on the data received from thedata medium, the processors are configured to perform one or moreprocedures.

In some embodiments, the container 10 is configured to record datarelating to the state of the aerosol generating device and any articlesstored in the container 10, and/or internal and external conditions(such as temperature). For example, the container 10 may record theamount of aerosolisable liquid available for use with the aerosolgenerating device and the current charge held by the battery of theaerosol generating device. Based on this data, a request to a recipient(such as an application running on the user's mobile device or computer)can be sent requesting that a particular type of module be connected(such as one having additional cartridges, or one to recharge theaerosol generating device).

This stored data can be used to validate a module that is connectedbased on the data received from the module. For example, if thecontainer 10 calculates that additional cartridges are needed, thecontainer 10 may issue an alert (such as by sending a message to therecipient) if a battery module is connected, since this would not remedythe low aerosolisable liquid state.

Additionally or alternatively, the processor may update a display on thebody 12 to show the stored data.

EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Three examples of containers according to the present invention areshown in respectively FIGS. 1 to 4, FIG. 5 and FIG. 6.

Turning first to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, a firstembodiment of the container having an L-shape configuration is shown.

The container 10 has a body 12 which comprises a first portion 14 forreceiving an aerosol generating device 30 (such as an electroniccigarette) and a second portion 20 for receiving one or more additionalarticles. In this case, the articles comprise two cartridges in acartridge holder. Each of the cartridges contains a liquid which can beused in the aerosol generating device to generate an aerosol. Once bothcartridges are used, the cartridge holder can be reused or disposed of.

The first portion 14 is formed as a chamber having a first length and afirst width, and the second portion 20 is formed as a chamber having asecond length and a second width. The chambers are parallel to oneanother, however the length of the chambers is not equal (that is, thefirst length is different from the second length). Typically the lengthof the second chamber is smaller, since a replacement part for theaerosol generating device will take up less volume than the aerosolgenerating device itself.

The body 12 is additionally provided with a single recess 18 which isformed as a cut-out of a corner of the body 12. A retention means 16 (inthe form of one part of a slide mechanism) is provided along a wall ofthe recess 18.

The recess 18 is located below the second portion 20. This causes thebody 12 to have a substantially L-shape when a module is not retained bythe retention means 16.

The recess 18 has a third length and a third width. The third width issubstantially equal to the second width (that is, the width of therecess 18 is about the width of the second portion 20). The third lengthis substantially equal to the different between the first length and thesecond length. In other words, the length of the recess 18 plus thelength of the second portion 20 is about equal to the length of thefirst portion 14.

FIG. 5 shows a second embodiment of the container which has asubstantially T-shape configuration.

The container 10 has a body 12 which comprises a first portion 14 forreceiving an aerosol generating device 30 (such as an electroniccigarette) and a second portion 20 for receiving one or more additionalarticles.

The first portion 14 is formed as a first chamber having a first lengthand a first width. The second portion 20 comprises a second chamberhaving a second length and a second width and a third chamber having athird length and a third width. The second length and the third lengthare both smaller than the first length. In addition, the second chamberand the third chamber are located on opposite sides of the firstchamber.

Below the second chamber and the third chamber, a first recess and asecond recess are respectively provided. Each of the first recess andthe second recess is provided with a respective retention means 16 alonga respective wall of the recess. Each retention means may be of adifferent type to the others.

The first recess has a fourth length and a fourth width, where thefourth width is substantially equal to the second width, and the fourthlength is substantially equal to the difference between the first lengthand the second length. The second recess has a fifth length and a fifthwidth, where the fifth width is substantially equal to the third width,and the fifth length is substantially equal to the difference betweenthe first length and the third length.

Typically the second length is equal to the third length and the secondwidth is equal to the third length. This causes the body 12 to have asubstantially symmetrical T-shape when modules are not retained by theretention means 16.

FIG. 6 shows a third embodiment of the container, having an I-shapedconfiguration.

The container 10 comprises an elongate body 12. At a first end of thebody 12, the first portion 14 is provided in the form of a chamber inthe body. At a lower end of the body 12, proximate the closed end of thechamber, an externally accessible retention means 16 is provided whichis configured to releasably retain a module.

A recess 18 is formed at a second end of the body. The recess 18 isdefined by a top face proximate the closed end of the chamber, and aside face formed by a thin extension of the body 12. The retention means16 is located in the recess 18. The preferred embodiment shows theretention means 16 on the side face of the recess 18.

The recess 18 and module 40 are typically configured such that, when themodule 40 is installed, the container-module assembly has asubstantially I-shape.

The Cap

FIGS. 1 to 5 all show embodiments of the present invention where thecontainer 10 is provided with a cap 22 which is configured to cover anend of the body 12. Such a cap can be incorporated into any container ofthe present invention, or may be omitted. The cap 22 is typicallyhingedly connected to the body 12 and, in use, can move between an openposition and a closed position. In the open position, the aerosolgenerating device 30 (and any articles 32) can be accessed by the user.In the closed position, no access is possible.

The cap is generally shaped to have substantially the samecross-sectional shape as an upper part of the body 12. This means that,in the closed position, the container 10 has a substantially continuoussurface across the outer faces of the body 12 and the cap 22.

The cap 22 may be hollow, such that, in the closed position, a portionof the aerosol generating device 30 (and any articles 32) are located,at least in part, inside the cap 22.

The body 12 may be provided with a cap locking mechanism 24 which cancooperate with a complementary cap locking mechanism on the cap 22.These can hold the cap 22 in its closed position until a predeterminedamount of force is exerted. For example, the cap locking mechanism 24may comprise a clip located on the body 12 and a complementaryreceptacle located on the cap 22, which holds the cap 22 in its closedposition until force is exerted on the front face of the cap 22 or thebody 12. Alternatively, a cap release mechanism (such as a button) maybe provided to cause the cap locking mechanism 24 to be released.

Modules

FIG. 7A to 7C show examples of modules which can be used with containersof the present invention.

In general, each module 40 comprises a body 42 which is adapted to holdcontents. The contents may be permanently attached to the body 42 (andtherefore permanently associated with the module 40), or may beremovable (thereby making the module 40 a container). Each body 42 isprovided with a retention means 44 which is complementary with theretention means 16. The retention means 44 is configured such that themodule 40 may be releasably retained by the retention means 16.

In some embodiments, the module can include one of more readable mediawhich are adapted to hold data. For example, a module 40 may be providedwith an RFID tag. In use, this data can be retrieved from the media by areader associated with the container. The data may compriseidentification data relating to the content of the module. For example,the data may indicate the nature or the quantity of articles storedwithin.

Each module may have connection means (not shown) which are configuredto connect to another module, such that a plurality of modules can bechained together. The connection means may be substantially similar tothe retention means 16 of the container 10.

FIG. 7A shows a module 40 which is configured to function as a charger.The module comprises at least one connector (such as a male USBconnector) electrically connected to a battery located within the body42 and a receptacle for receiving the battery. In a charging mode, themodule 40 is connected to a power source (such as a computer) by meansof a complementary connector (such as a female USB connector). Thischarges the battery which has been received within the body 42. In adischarging mode, when the module 40 is connected to the body 12 of thecontainer 10, the battery within the body 42 of the module 40 isconfigured to discharge energy to the battery of the aerosol generatingdevice. In this manner, the module 40 allows for the aerosol generatingdevice 30 to be recharged.

FIG. 7B shows a module 40 which is configured to hold one or morearticles for use with the aerosol generating device (such as replaceableparts for the aerosol generating device). For example, as shown in FIG.7C, this may be one or more cartridges containing an aerosolisableliquid for insertion into the aerosol generating device. The articlesheld in the module may be identical to the articles held in the secondportion.

In use, the user may cause the module 40 to be released (at least inpart) from the retention means. The user is then provided access to theone or more articles held by the module 40. The empty or partly emptymodule 40 may then be re-installed on the body 12, or may be discarded,depending on user preferences.

As described, the present invention provides a container for an aerosolgenerating device which can be simply configured for storing additionalarticles related to the device.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A container for an aerosol generatingdevice, the container comprising: a body having a first portionconfigured to receive the aerosol generating device, the first portiondefining a longitudinal axis extending along a first direction, the bodyhaving a second portion extending along the first direction andconfigured to receive one or more articles, and one or more protrusionsexternally accessible from the body, each protrusion being configured toreleasably retain a module, the container configured to be charged bythe module.
 2. The container of claim 1, wherein the container furthercomprises one or more readers configured to receive data from themodule.
 3. The container of claim 2, further comprising a processorconfigured to perform one or more procedures based on the received data.4. The container of claim 3, wherein the processor is configured tomonitor state data, the state data comprising the state of one or moreof: the container, the aerosol generating device, the module andarticles stored within the module.
 5. The container of claim 4, whereinthe processor is configured to send a message to a recipient based onthe state data and/or the received data.
 6. The container of claim 1,wherein the body further comprises one or more recesses, each protrusionbeing located in a respective recess.
 7. The container of claim 1,wherein each protrusion is selected from the group consisting of: aslide mechanism; a clip mechanism; and a magnet.
 8. The container ofclaim 1, further comprising a cap configured to cover an end of thebody.
 9. The container of claim 8, wherein the cap encloses the firstportion and the second portion.
 10. The container of claim 8, whereinthe body further includes a clip and the cap defines a receptacleconfigured to receive the clip.
 11. The container of claim 1, whereinthe aerosol generating device is an electronic cigarette.
 12. Thecontainer of claim 1, wherein the body includes an identification meansalong a surface of the body.
 13. The container of claim 1, wherein thebody includes a button protruding from a surface of the body, the buttonmechanically coupled to the protrusion.
 14. The container of claim 1,wherein the body defines a receptacle adjacent the protrusion andconfigured to receive a connector of the module.
 15. The container ofclaim 14, wherein the protrusion and the receptacle of the body extendsalong the first direction.
 16. A kit comprising: the container of claim1; and the module configured to be releasably retained by at least oneof the one or more protrusions and configured to charge the container.17. The kit of claim 16, wherein the module comprises one connectorconfigured to connect to an external power source.
 18. The kit of claim17, wherein the connector is a male USB connector.
 19. The kit of claim17, wherein the module is in a charging mode when connected to theexternal power source and in a discharging mode, when the module isconnected to the body of the container.
 20. A container for an aerosolgenerating device, the container comprising: body having a first portionconfigured to receive the aerosol generating device, and one or moreextension externally accessible from the body, each extension beingconfigured to releasably retain a module, the container configured to becharged by the module, wherein: the first portion comprises a firstchamber in the body; and the body further comprises a second portionconfigured to receive one or more articles, the second portioncomprising a second chamber in the body and a third chamber in the body,the second chamber being located on a first side of the first chamberand the third chamber being located on a second side of the firstchamber opposite to the first side, such that the body has asubstantially T-shape.